OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence rate of bacteremia following toothbrushing with toothpastes composed of several antibacterial agents and compare the results with the conventional oral hygiene maintaining methods in orthodontic patients. METHODS: This clinical study included 100 adult orthodontic patients who were divided into 4 groups. Each group comprised of 25 patients, wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. In the first group, bacteremia was assessed after toothbrushing without using any toothpaste. In the second group, a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse was used before brushing with no toothpaste. In the third group, subjects brushed with a commonly used toothpaste which did not include an additional antimicrobial agent. The fourth experimental group used toothpaste which included tea tree oil, clove oil, peppermint oil and bisabolol as antimicrobial elements. Pre- and post-brushing blood samples were obtained using a strict aseptic technique. All samples were microbiologically evaluated using blood culture bottles. RESULTS: Toothbrushing in orthodontic patients yielded to an increase in the occurrence rate of bacteremia when using normal toothpaste or no toothpaste at all. CONCLUSIONS: The use of chlorhexidine mouthwash before toothbrushing, and brushing with antimicrobial toothpaste did not show a statistically significant difference in preventing the occurrence of bacteremia (p > 0.05).
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteremia ; Chlorhexidine ; Clove Oil ; Humans ; Mentha piperita ; Oral Hygiene ; Orthodontic Appliances ; Plant Oils ; Sesquiterpenes ; Tea Tree Oil ; Toothbrushing ; Toothpastes

To evaluate the properties of solidifying volatile oil with graphene oxide, clove oil and zedoary turmeric oil were solidified by graphene oxide. The amount of graphene oxide was optimized with the eugenol yield and curcumol yield as criteria. Curing powder was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of graphene oxide on dissolution in vitro and thermal stability of active components were studied. The optimum solidification ratio of graphene oxide to volatile oil was 1:1. Dissolution rate of active components had rare influence while their thermal stability improved after volatile oil was solidified. Solidifying herbal volatile oil with graphene oxide deserves further study.
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Clove Oil ; chemistry ; Curcuma ; chemistry ; Eugenol ; Graphite ; chemistry ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; Oxides ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; Powders ; Sesquiterpenes

Humans ; Teas, Herbal/analysis* ; Beverages/analysis* ; Tea ; Liver Neoplasms

Background: Pectin is a pharmaceutically relevant excipient that can be upcycled from selected Philippine fruit peel wastes. Method optimization of pectin extraction leads to maximizing yields from limited resources, while also reducing environmental wastes, and providing local alternative sources. Objectives: This study aimed to optimize the method of extracting pectin from selected Philippine fruit peel wastes using the Box-Behnken design, by varying the acid extraction solvent, treatment time, and working temperature. Methodology: The three-level (-1, 0, 1) Box-Behnken design (15 set-ups) was used to optimize the pectin extraction in each of the fruit peel samples (C. maxima; A. heterophyllus; ripe and unripe M. indica; D. zibethinus; and H. undatus). The three experimental factors were the type of 3N acid used as extracting solvent (HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and HCl); duration of treatment in minutes (60, 90, and 120); and temperature of treatment in C 60, 75, and 90). The %yield was computed in each set-up, and the projected yields were generated using multiple linear regression. The pectin samples obtained from the optimized conditions were subjected to the physicochemical characterization, with apple pectin as the standard. Degree of esterification (DE), equivalent weight (EW), methoxy content (MC), alkalinity of ash (AA), and anhydrouronic acid content (AUA) were performed. Results: Maximum yields were extracted from C. maxima (28.96%), A. heterophyllus (20.12%), ripe M. indica (26.23%), and unripe M. indica (25.89%), using 3N H₂SO₄, for a treatment duration of 60 minutes, at a working temperature of 90 C, and H. undatus (25.03%) at 60 C, for a treatment duration of 120 minutes. Conclusion Optimum conditions were identified to extract pectin in each of the fruit peel samples. The 3N H₂SO₄ produced the highest pectin yields in all of the set-ups, while the treatment time and working temperature vary per fruit peel sample. Pectin extract from C. maxima, A. heterophyllus, and M. indica was comparable to the standard.
Pectins

In this article, the essence of innovative drug category 1.2 extracts and preparations in the new version of the New Drug Registration Category of traditional Chinese medicines(TCM) was analyzed by combing through the history of provisions on drug registration and comparing with other categories of drugs. After analyzing the characteristics of this type of preparations, the author concluded that the quality control objectives of category 1.2 extract should focus on ensuring the quality consistency of the active ingredients/components in batches, so as to guarantee the consistency of drug quality and efficacy. With reference to the relevant technical requirements for herbal medicinal products in European Medicines Agency(EMA) and botanicals in Food and Drug Administration(FDA),the key points in quality control of the extract should include the content and composition of the therapeutic constituents, the type and content of the concomitants, and the influence of exogenous contaminants on drug safety.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Herbal Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; Plant Extracts ; Quality Control

The present study was performed to evaluate the comedogenicity of several cosmetic ingredients, vegetable oils, steroid and sulfur. The test materials were applied to one ear canal of rabbits for 6 weekdays for 2 weeks. The results were as follows: l. Among the 14 cosmetic ingredients, no comedogenicity was shown in propylene glycol and petrolatum, mild comedogencity in squalene, acetylated lanolin, polyethylene glycol, cetyl aIcohol and Tween 80. Propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate and oleic acid showed moderate comedogenicity. Severe comedogenicity was observed in myristyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, butyl stearate and myristyl lactate. 2. Moderate to severe comedogenicity was shown in olive oil, sesame oil and corn oil and moderate comedogenicity in sulfur (8%) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.06%) R. Histopathologic grading were paralleled the findings of the naked eye.
Betamethasone ; Corn Oil ; Ear Canal ; Lactic Acid ; Lanolin ; Myristic Acid ; Olea ; Oleic Acid ; Petrolatum ; Plant Oils ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Polysorbates ; Propylene Glycol ; Rabbits ; Sesame Oil ; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate ; Squalene ; Sulfur ; Olive Oil

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a rare disease due to occlusion of the terminal hepatic venules and/or sublobular veins, which is a result of endothelial damage from pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal teas, irradiation of the liver, or chemotherapy particularly in association with bone marrow transplantation. We recently experienced three cases of VOD developed after radiation therapy. Two cases occurred in hepatocellular carcinoma patients of a 37-year-old man with B viral chronic hepatitis and a 22-year-old man with B viral cirrhosis and the other in a 64-year-old patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. For the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, chemoembolization with lipiodol and adriamycin, and external irradiation on the liver mass were done. The total radiation dose was 5400 cGy and 3000 cGy in each case. Five months and 3 months after irradiation, respectively, the resected liver masses showed extensive necrosis due to pre-operative treatment. To treat esophageal carcinoma, pre-operative concurrent chemotherapy of 5-FU and radiation of 4500 cGY were done. One month after irradiation, the radical esophgectomy and wedge biopsy of the liver were done. The liver of all 3 cases showed a dark red appearance with severe congestion in contrast to the pale brown normal liver, which was not included in the radiation field. On micoscopic examination, the terminal hepatic venules and sublobular veins showed subintimal edema, fibrin deposition, and partial or total luminal occlusion by loose fibrous tissue. The centrizonal sinusoids were markedly dilatated and congested with atrophy of hepatocytes.
Adult ; Atrophy ; Teas, Herbal ; Biopsy ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Doxorubicin ; Drug Therapy ; Edema ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Ethiodized Oil ; Fibrin ; Fibrosis ; Fluorouracil ; Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease* ; Hepatitis, Chronic ; Hepatocytes ; Humans ; Liver ; Middle Aged ; Necrosis ; Phenobarbital ; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ; Rare Diseases ; Veins ; Venules ; Young Adult

Aims: Wax apple is an important fruit crop in Malaysia and other tropical countries. However, the black spot disease caused by Lasiodoplodia theobromae can damage the wax apple plants, reducing fruit production and quality. Chemical fungicides are commonly used to overcome this disease. However, their overuse might increase fungal resistance to chemicals. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal properties of an Aloe vera film incorporated with cinnamon oil on L. theobromae in wax apples. Methodology and results: In vitro antifungal tests were conducted using the poisoned food. This present study found that the inhibition of L. theobromae mycelia when treated with A. vera film with different percentages of cinnamon oil was significantly different compared to the control film at (P<0.05). Results suggest that A. vera film without cinnamon oil showed the highest percentage of inhibition (37.31%) than other films with cinnamon oil due to the antagonistic and less synergistic effect. However, A. vera film with 0.07% of cinnamon oil showed the highest percentage of mycelia inhibition (36.15%) compared to the film with 0.06%, 0.05% and 0.04% cinnamon oil, with mycelia inhibition of 30.55%, 24.25% and 18.82%, respectively, while the mancozeb (positive control) showed 100% inhibition. Conclusion, significance and impact of study In conclusion, A. vera film alone had 37.31% inhibition compared to 36.15% inhibition in A. vera film with 0.7% cinnamon oil. As a result, a tiny amount of cinnamon oil added to the mixture might aid in controlling the black spot disease in wax fruits.
Antifungal Agents ; Aloe ; Oils, Volatile ; Plant Extracts

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the staining resistance of CAD/CAM resin-ceramics polished with different techniques and to determine the effectiveness of the polishing techniques on resin-ceramics, comparing it with that of a glazed glass-ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different CAD/CAM ceramics (feldspathic ceramic: C-CEREC Blocs, (SIRONA) and three resin-ceramics: L-Lava Ultimate, (3M ESPE), E-Enamic, (VITA) and CS-CeraSmart, (GC)) and one light cure composite resin: ME-Clearfil Majesty Esthetic (Kuraray) were used. Only C samples were glazed (gl). Other restorations were divided into four groups according to the polishing technique: nonpolished control group (c), a group polished with light cure liquid polish (Biscover LV BISCO) (bb), a group polished with ceramic polishing kit (Diapol, EVE) (cd), and a group polished with composite polishing kit (Clearfil Twist Dia, Kuraray) (kc). Glazed C samples and the polished samples were further divided into four subgroups and immersed into different solutions: distilled water, tea, coffee, and fermented black carrot juice. Eight samples (8 × 8 × 1 mm) were prepared for each subgroup. According to CIELab system, four color measurements were made: before immersion, immersion after 1 day, after 1 week, and after 1 month. Data were analyzed with repeated measures of ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: The highest staining resistance was found in gl samples. There was no difference among gl, kc and cd (P>.05). Staining resistance of gl was significantly higher than that of bb (P<.05). Staining resistances of E and CS were significantly higher than those of L and ME (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Ceramic and composite polishing kits can be used for resin ceramics as a counterpart of glazing procedure used for full ceramic materials. Liquid polish has limited indications for resin ceramics.
Ceramics ; Coffee ; Daucus carota ; Immersion ; Tea ; Water

This study was aimed at assessing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic (free, bound, and total) contents in selected commercial beverages. Three different types of beverages commonly available in Malaysian supermarkets namely, cocoa, coffee and tea were selected. Phenolic contents were determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing power and scavenging activity) was determined using FRAP and TEAC assays. Based on analysis of variance, coffee showed the highest amount of free phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to cocoa and tea (p < 0.05). The major phenolic compound detected in coffee was chlorogenic acid. Cocoa showed higher phenolic content than tea. However, cocoa and tea have similar catechin content and possessed comparable antioxidant capacity. The free phenolic content in the three beverages was found to be highly correlated with antioxidant capacity. In addition, moderate correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, there was no significant contribution of bound phenolic compounds towards antioxidant capacity. The contribution of antioxidant capacity in these beverages could be due to phenolic compounds in the free form. The study indicated that the beverages studied possessed varying degrees of antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents.
Antioxidants ; Tea ; commercial ; Coffee ; Assessment: Cognition